Clinic Doctors fear testifying in Georgia

By Andria Simmons and Jim Galloway
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Metro Atlanta physicians who participated in the General Assembly's debate on new abortion restrictions say they warned lawmakers that they were being targeted for reprisals. And they are skittish about returning to the state Capitol next year when the topic is all but certain to come up again.

Two burglaries and two fires at Atlanta-area women's clinics and a burglary at the the main office of the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society are being investigated by the FBI as possible acts of domestic terrorism or civil rights violations.

Four of the five offices targeted are run by doctors who had voiced concerns — sometimes publicly, sometimes privately — about the so-called fetal pain bill, which shortened to 20 weeks the time frame during which women can have an elective abortion.

"These are despicable acts and if there is some relationship between these acts and the legislation, then it's even more outrageous," said House Speaker David Ralston. "I'm concerned that Georgians might have some fear of coming to the Capitol and voicing their opinions on legislation. Obviously, that troubles me."